Which of the following is a core component of Parent Management Training for conduct problems?

• A. Coaching positive parent-child interactions and consistent discipline strategies
• B. Solely individual therapy for the child
• C. Medication management only
• D. Ignoring parental involvement

Answer: (A)

Parent Management Training for conduct problems centers on equipping caregivers with skills to shape their child’s behavior through the everyday parent–child interaction. The most important element is coaching parents to use positive, reinforcing interactions and consistent discipline. This means praising and rewarding desired behaviors, setting clear expectations, applying predictable, calm consequences, and using strategies like consistent routines and time-outs as needed. By strengthening parenting skills and reducing coercive cycles in the home, children learn more prosocial behaviors and family functioning improves. Other approaches that focus only on the child’s therapy or on medication don’t address the key process PMT targets, and ignoring parental involvement contradicts how PMT works. So coaching positive interactions and consistent discipline strategies best captures what PMT emphasizes.